The Kindergarten Round-Up events at all our K-5 schools will be from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. on April 25, but why might families wish to attend?
You can find your neighborhood school’s address, phone number, and boundaries on our website and pick up enrollment materials at your school. But Kinder teachers explained that attending the Round-Up benefits families by easing a big transition. These events help do that by allowing families to see the classroom and meet the teacher. However, other perks some schools had included: an opportunity for children to plant a sunflower, receiving a few school supplies, tips on local resources, and answers to their many questions.
Read on to see what teachers at your school said:
Callie Geser, Kindergarten Teacher, Antonia Crater Elementary
“This event is important for families to be able to make a connection early with the school their child will be attending. Parents get to ask questions, see the facility, and meet staff. It is helpful for teachers and staff to meet students as well as get to know them and their wants and needs. It helps build excitement about the upcoming school year as well.”
Ashley Bohanan, Kindergarten Teacher, Dundee Elementary
“It’s an opportunity for families to meet me and get a feel for what kindergarten looks like: Parents will ask a lot of questions. This is a support for transitioning your child, getting a chance to peek behind the curtain like “The Wizard of Oz,” building that excitement for the next step. … My goal in raising my own children is to have them be independent adults who will go out in the world on their own. We’re building our students’ independence, and school is the ticket for everything around that. … For some kids, come September, saying goodbye to mom or dad and walking into the classroom is really scary, so if you already know that sounds like your child, this is an opportunity to support them — or yourself!”
Jody Jones, Kindergarten Teacher, Edwards Elementary
“After filling out registration, families are invited to come tour our classrooms and ask questions about Edwards and what to expect in kindergarten. Our current kindergarteners always enjoy preparing the room to be welcoming and to show off the kind of things they are able to do. Our students are most successful when their education is truly a partnership between families and school community and when they have many chances to build relationships with staff. …”
Jones (Edwards) also said: “The sooner we get to know each other and start building that partnership, the better! We love to meet families who are just starting their first child off on their K-12 journey as well as welcome back families who we have gotten to know before. We see that the little bit of time families and new students spend with us during kindergarten Round-Up really helps the children with their transition to school in the fall.”
Kailey Estevez, Kindergarten Teacher, Ewing Young Elementary
“Kindergarten Roundup is a great event that welcomes new students and families into our school community — it helps to give the kids a preview of what to expect, and when they start school, they are familiar with their peers, teachers, and classroom. A lot of kids come in with some nerves and this event really helps to reduce those, while getting them excited about the year ahead. It also gives parents a chance to get to know staff and ask questions they may be wondering in a relaxed environment.”
Becky Gilmore, Reading Specialist, Joan Austin Elementary
"At Joan Austin, our wonderful Kindergarten Teachers will welcome you into their classrooms and let you see what kindergarten looks like. We will also have a small bag of supplies we give to each family. It contains a few items to use over the summer and prepare for kindergarten (alphabet letters, pencils, scissors, etc.) and some handouts with ideas for family activities. And there will be a full table of books so that every kindergarten student can select a few new books to start their home library.”
Rachelle Parker, Kindergarten Teacher, Mabel Rush Elementary
“Kindergarten Roundup is a fun and collaborative event that allows the community to meet their students’ future educators and for us educators to meet our future students’ families! Starting kindergarten is a big milestone in every family and having multiple opportunities before their first day to interact and ask those pressing questions allows for a smooth transition and for any potential worries to be calmed.”
Jennifer Preap, Kindergarten Teacher, Mabel Rush Elementary
“Our school also prepares an activity where kids can plant a sunflower seed and take it home. When it blooms that will mean it's almost time for kindergarten! These events are so important! It is very helpful for kids to see where they will be going and get them excited for kindergarten. We love to connect with families face-to-face and answer any questions that they might have. We also would love to make sure families go home with a good idea of how to prepare their kids for kindergarten over the next few months.”
Photos
- Antonia Crater kindergartners share their appreciation for their PTO with a thank-you sign. Photo courtesy of Callie Geser
- Dundee students studied royal families. Photo courtesy of Mary Reohr
- Edwards students study their numbers. Photo courtesy of Maria Barnes
- Joan Austin Kindergarten Teacher Janelle Gray’s class shows the totem poles they made while learning about Native American Culture. Photo courtesy of Gray
- Mabel Rush kinders dress up for Halloween. Photo courtesy of Rachelle Parker
- Ewing Young students showcase a quilt they helped make. Photo courtesy of Kailey Estevez